S7 Technics completes first C-check on Azimuth’ SSJ100

S7 Technics has performed nine C-checks on SSJ100s up to date (S7 Technics)

Russia’s MRO provider S7 Technics continues to add new Sukhoi Superjet 100 operator to its heavy maintenance portfolio. The company has just reported completion of a first C-check on aircraft operated of Azimuth Airlines. The Rostov-based start-up carrier has recently added the eighth aircraft to its SSJ100-only fleet. The provider expects the number of heavy checks on Sukhoi Civil Aircraft-produced regional jets to grow this year.

According to Russian Aviation Insider’s sources, the check was performed on the oldest aircraft in Azimuth’s fleet, the RA-89036 built in 2014. This aircraft was grounded at S7 Technics’ Domodedovo facility from March 13 to April 1. The MRO provider commented that the C-check was a high-complexity effort due to a large number of labor-intense Service Bulletins issued by the OEM.

Azimuth Airlines’ decision to contract S7 Technics as provider for the C-Check is no coincidence. The cooperation between the two companies began at latest in the summer of 2017, when S7 Technics launched a line station at Rostov-on-Don’s International Airport in the interests of Azimuth Airlines. Further on, the provider has two years of hands-on experience with SCAC-made aircraft. S7 Technics’ maintenance bases in Moscow and Mineralnye Vody received their FAP-285 approval for SJ100 MRO in February 2016.

S7 Technics’ sales director Nikita Belykh points out that his company holds leading positions on SSJ100 aftersales support market. The C-check performed for Azimuth Airlines was the ninth heavy check on SSJ100 for the provider. The only Russian SSJ100 operators that haven’t yet resorted to S7 Technics for their aircraft maintenance are Aeroflot, RusJet and Yakutia Airlines.

It is difficult to predict whether Azimuth Airlines will continue to send its SSJ100s to S7 Technics for maintenance. Other seven aircraft in the airline’s fleet were produced in 2017 and 2018. By the time these aircraft require heavy maintenance the operator may be capable of performing the works in-house, should condition be favorable. At least, the airline has got its own FAP-285 approval and plans to continue building up the competences of its engineering service. It also plans to build a hangar at Rostov’s new Platov airport. Apart from that, there are several other maintenance organizations approved for SSJ100.

However, a noticeable share of the collective SSJ100 fleet is approaching the heavy checks. Nikita Belykh shared with Russian Aviation Insider that he expects more C-checks on SCAC’s aircraft this year. He says S7 Technics is in close contact with all SSJ100 operators, which outsource maintenance to independent providers, as well as with the largest SSJ100 lessors and the OEM itself. “We consistently expand our capabilities in terms of airframe and component maintenance for SSJ100, increasing the volumes and complexity of the works that we perform.”

Powered by Air Transport Observer, Russia & CIS’ premier information provider on commercial aviation with a 20-year legacy, Russian Aviation Insider provides you with timely and reliable business news, insights and analysis on commercial aviation all around CIS.